Orange County California Wildlife Watching

California's Pacific coastline provides some of the best opportunities  in Orange County to see marine animals of all kinds, from whales migrating, to unique fish to sea lions lazing in the sun.  Inland also offers a multitude of natural areas for those seeking to experience wildlife in their own habitat - birdwatching, hiking or just taking in the beautiful California scenery.

Wildlife Viewing Areas in Orange County California

Orange County Wildlife Parks: list of various wildlife parks in the great Orange County area
Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary: 12 acres of non-profit nature preserve located in Silverado (Modjeska Canyon) adjacent to the Cleveland National Fores.
Dolphin & Whale Safari - get close to and view the California dolphins and whales
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve - some of the best birding in the US is here at the Bolsa Chica reserve in Huntington Beach
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve - one of the few remaining estuaries in Southern California - home of nearly 200  species of birds, including several on the endangered species list.
Local Orange County Hikes - a list of hiking opportunities in Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange County, California
Starr Ranch Sanctuary   4000 acre preserve owned/operated by the National Audubon Society, located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. (3 miles southeast of Rancho Santa Margarita)
San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary - Free to the public, open 7 days.  over 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands.  Visitors can walk along 12 miles of trails, birdwatch, take pictures and just enjoy nature.
Irvine Ranch Wildlands - 50,000 acres of permanently protected wildlands and parks. A variety of activities and guided programs are available.

Wildlife Organizations

Orange County Bird of Prey Center - educates the community about raptors and rehabilitates injured raptors for release back into the wild

Sea & Sage Audubon Society: creating an understanding of nature in Orange County through conservation, research and environmental education 

Sierra Club Orange County:   America's oldest, largest and most influential environmental organization

Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center:  Mission is to educate the public on man's impact on the environment

California Wildlife Center: non-profit organization that assists sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife and releases them back to their natural habitat.

So, while your visiting Orange County -- get out and enjoy nature!